Bangkok, 24 June 2024: Visitor numbers to Spain in 2023 are 1.9% above pre-COVID 2019 standards, with tourist arrivals reaching 85,056,228, the Spanish Tourism Board reported at a product update for travel agents in Bangkok.
Thailand’s outbound travel market is still on the rise, with visitor numbers to Spain reaching 47,000 in 2023 thanks to itineraries sold by travel agencies despite rising airfares and a lack of direct flights between Bangkok and Spain’s two main gateway cities, Madrid and Barcelona.
Madrid-based low-cost airline Iberojet began operating direct flights between Madrid and Bangkok (every Thursday) in late May, but only for Spanish tourists vacationing in Thailand. The airline said it will continue to operate one direct flight per week during the winter season from November 2024 to March 2025. Attention will be focused on whether the airline can capture local bookings in Thailand’s outbound travel market.
The recent Spain Tourism Product Update, attended by around 80 Bangkok-based travel agencies, was hosted by Spain Tourist Board Director Marta Fernández Martin, who leads the marketing team for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Turkish Airlines participated in the event as a supporting airline. The airline operates two direct flights daily from Bangkok to its hub city of Istanbul. Travellers from Thailand can connect from Istanbul with three daily flights to Barcelona and Madrid.
Martin told TTR Weekly that his marketing team is encouraging Thai Airways to consider introducing direct flights to Madrid or Barcelona.
“To boost summer family travel, we need direct flights from Bangkok to Spain in Barcelona or Madrid. This will make a big difference and attract more solo travelers to stay in Spain for around two weeks and explore beyond the two gateway cities. Spain is a trend for 2024. Going forward, we can expect more Thai families to visit Spain during the annual summer holidays (school and university holidays from April to May) in 2025.”
Thai Airways International discontinued direct flights between Bangkok and Madrid in January 2015, which it had operated since late 1988. If the airline were to return to Spain, it would likely initially operate a seasonal summer schedule of three flights per week to Barcelona from April to the end of October.
Martin acknowledged that airfares to Spain have risen since the coronavirus pandemic due to rising fuel costs: “It’s the main expense for long-distance travel. Hopefully fares will come down or remain stable.”
There is only one direct flight per week between Bangkok and Spain, so travelers will need to make a connection in another city in the Middle East or Europe, significantly lengthening travel times (potentially more than 15 hours).
She also acknowledges that some of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, notably Barcelona, have introduced urban tourist taxes, which increase the cost of travel for families, but the tax does not apply to all Spanish cities and regions.
Also known as the eco-tax or city tax, the tax has been introduced in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia. Rates and regulations vary from place to place, but guests pay a nightly rate when they check out of their hotel. In Barcelona, the tax is set to increase to €3.45 per person per night in April 2024.
“The tourist tax is not a national tax. It is only paid in cities that have approved it, such as Barcelona, and it goes towards balancing carbon emissions and improving the environment. We promote 17 Spanish regions in the Southeast Asian market, many of which do not have a tourist tax.”
However, it is likely that more cities and regions in Spain will introduce a tourist tax, as it helps generate revenue for maintaining tourism infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism activity and supporting local initiatives.
The biggest expense for tourists visiting Spain remains airfares, which have risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war.
But if you’re traveling to Spain in the summer from Bangkok to Barcelona with a stopover in Europe or the Middle East, there are still flights available for under $1,000 round trip. Check out the best fares for travel in July on Google Flights.
First time visitors to Spain: where should you go?
Spain is a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty, so here are some recommended destinations for first-time visitors.
Barcelona: This vibrant city is home to some of Gaudi’s most famous creations, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and you can also explore the Gothic Quarter, stroll down Las Ramblas or relax on the beach.
Madrid: Spain’s capital is the perfect place to experience Spanish culture: visit the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Reina Sofía Museum, stroll through Buen Retiro Park, and enjoy the tapas scene in the La Latina neighborhood.
Granada: This Andalusian city is famous for its stunning Moorish palace complex, the Alhambra, and you can also explore the Albaicin district, the Sacromonte caves and flamenco venues.
Seville: The Andalusian capital is known for its flamenco shows, tapas bars and beautiful architecture: visit Seville Cathedral, the Alcazar palace and Plaza de España.
San Sebastian: This Basque city is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and relaxed atmosphere. You can also explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town), climb Monte Igueldo for amazing views and visit the San Telmo Museum.
Top 3 Spanish regions for hotel bookings
According to the latest information from the Spanish Tourist Board, the three Spanish regions that will account for 50% of all hotel bookings so far in 2024 are Andalusia (+22.9%), Catalonia (+19.8%) and the Balearic Islands (+25.8%).
